How do I make the Particles and Curve Guide Work?
Simple Fix


With the Curve selected ... Click on Path Animation which is depicted below with the Yellow Arrow.  Fix with a Click.  This might seem unexpected to you.
Use the curve guide settings below.  There is a goal to help the OP achieve his/her desired visual. The OP can still specify the goal in the original question.
Change the Particles to a longer lifetime. Easier Visibility.  Later Change to your Artistic needs.  




Path Animation Clicked. Curve Guide Works. Spiral not so obvious. Curve Guide Settings not to OP Artistic taste perhaps.  Image above.





Curve Guide to fulfill Artistic taste of OP. Spiral Very Obvious. See the settings in the Curve Guide Panel.   2 Images Above.



Change the lifetime of particles in the particle panel of the sphere. Image Above.



Notice the Circles magically appear on the ends of the curve. Image Above.

Particles in Ascencion.